While not the official Independence day of Mexico (its rarely celebrated outside of Puebla) this has become a US celebration of Mexican heritage that is celebrated coast to coast. The actual holiday commemorates defeating the French in the City of Puebla in 1862, despite being outnumbered about 2 to 1 in the fight. The victory of Napoleon's French troops was even more improbable as it was their first military defeat in about a half a century.

Our visit to Puebla this year included an underground tour of the secret city tunnels that played an integral part in the Battle of Puebla.

These tunnels were so well built, that despite being an urban legend in the city, they were "rediscovered" in 2015 and have since opened to the public for tours. Some clues to how they were used are left in the size and items found down below. The tunnels are large enough for a man to ride horseback from the fort to the outside of the city. Also, along the trail you can see military carts, supplies and antique weapons which are safely displayed now behind glass.

These days the US Mexican Americans celebrate their culture on Cinco de Mayo

The bright colors and excellent food and drink make this holiday a jubilant for all who partake.

Lucha Libre is a new addition to the cellibration this year.

A free tag-team wrestling match was a fantastic addition to the celebration in Saint Paul this year. I have a feeling that in the coming years they are going to have to expand the viewing area to accomidate its popularity.

We salute our southern neighbors!

Next year make sure to check out this fantastic festival, just minutes from downtown Saint Paul!

An underestimated and lesser known noodle dish in the Asian community. It's known origin is from Laos, and has now spread all across Asia and the United States. There are many different variations of this dish online; some made with coconut milk, some without. The ingredients can easily be found at your local Asian grocery store, and it's an easy recipe to follow.

A real comfort food.

Growing up, this has been my favorite over Pho. My step-mother makes it for me when I go home for a visit, but I've come to master my own version of this dish. You can add quail eggs, straw mushrooms, and different herbs for toppings. I like to keep mine simple with chicken and bamboo, and top it off with cilantro and green onions. Make it however you like, it'll taste great!

Food has been the center of conversations and has always brought people from all over the world together. It helps find common grounds for strangers to bound over and continues to be the highlight of every social event. I hope you try this dish and love it as much as Dave and I do (he loves my Khao Poon), and share it with your friends.